PRINCEVILLE — The sixth annual Warrior Princeville Makai Invitational, featuring some of the premier collegiate golfers in the nation and representing 20 universities, will begin Oct. 28 at the Princeville Makai Golf Club overlooking Hanalei Bay. The twenty participating teams
PRINCEVILLE — The sixth annual Warrior Princeville Makai Invitational, featuring some of the premier collegiate golfers in the nation and representing 20 universities, will begin Oct. 28 at the Princeville Makai Golf Club overlooking Hanalei Bay. The twenty participating teams represent the largest field in the history of the event and will represent 12 major conferences from across the United States.
“This tournament is a unique opportunity for elite college golfers and potential future professional stars to participate in an extremely competitive match at one of the world’s highest rated and scenic golf courses.” said Doug Sutter, Makai’s General Manager. “For most, it is their first exposure to our island aloha, so it’s an experience they will remember for a lifetime.”
The yearly event is the brainchild of Princeville resident and avid golfer John Moseley who acts as the Chairman.
“I love golf and I love this tournament” Moseley said. “These student athletes can really play. They are amazing golfers and are so exciting to watch up close. Organizing this tournament is a huge challenge and we couldn’t make it happen without our volunteers and the generous financial support of the Makai, First Hawaiian Bank, King Auto and the Wyndham Vacation Ownership”
The host school is the University of Hawaii, hence the name “Warrior” in the invitational title. Hawaii’s coach, Ronn Miyashiro is responsible for doling out invitations and deciding on the participants.
“The tournament is enormously popular,” Miyashiro said. “It provides a chance for athletes from all over the country to spend time in a tropical environment while also playing competitive golf so it’s understandable. We actually have a waiting list of 15 teams.”
Braden Thornberry, the 2016 NCAA Individual Champion as well as last year’s Warrior Individual Champion, will be returning to defend his title as well as his Ole Miss Rebels “Team” Title. The tournament will run from Oct. 28-31 and the public is welcome to attend free of admission.
